This swap series will help us to finish out the year with an attitude of worship! Jesus is the Reason for the Holiday Season, so let’s keep our hearts and minds on Him this Christmas! Read the recommended Bible passages and the Christmasy blurb below. Send your partner a letter or notecard answering the questions at the end of this post.

Bible passages to read and reflect on this week:

Matthew Chapters 1 and 2

You've almost certainly seen a Nativity set with three wise men standing next to the shepherds in the stable. Maybe there is one in your house right now. This beautiful scene is ingrained on our collective Christmas memory. So, while it may not have been a surprise to biblical scholars, most of us were shocked when we found out that the wise men were not present at the manger. From scripture we can surmise that it could have taken an unknown number of magi as long as two years to travel from where they were to where Jesus was. We also know that immediately upon entering the home (not the stable), they fell down to worship Him. Their long, tiring journey was all about Jesus. After worshipping Him, they presented the child with gifts. They celebrated the birth of Jesus. Two years later, it was still Christmas! It's common to feel a bit of emotional letdown following Christmas. So much effort and energy goes into the weeks leading up to the big day, and then it's all over so quickly. But is doesn't have to be. Let's linger over the Christ child a little longer. Like the wise men, let's continue celebrating our Savior's arrival.

Do you like including the wise men in the Nativity scene? Why or Why not?

How do you think the wise men felt when they finally got to meet Jesus?

Are you experiencing an emotional letdown after Christmas? How can you infuse today with some Holiday cheer?

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